Heeling apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

Abstract of Disclosure 
     A heeling apparatus includes a shoe with a unique feature in the heel that allows one to walk, run, or roll seamlessly.  The appearance is that of normal footwear because of the covert wheel assembly.  The stealth wheel in the heel gives one the ability to roll or slide in areas you could only walk.  Heeling is a new activity that employs a unique method of rolling and requires a newly learned skill set of balance, positioning, and coordination.

Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0001] Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. Section 119(e), this application claims thebenefit of U. S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/127,459, entitledHeeling Apparatus and Method, filed April 1, 1999, and named Roger R.Adams as inventor, which is hereby incorporated by reference for allpurposes.

Background of Invention

[0002] This invention relates in general to the field of footwear andactive sports and more particularly to a heeling apparatus and method.

[0003] Action or extreme sports include various sports such as, forexample, skateboarding, snow boarding, in-line skating, rock climbing,and skydiving. Most action or extreme sports require expensive andcumbersome equipment that can only be used in select and, often, limitedareas. Because these select and limited areas are not convenient to mostpeople, these activities can only be enjoyed at select times. Thisresults in a substantial investment in equipment that is only usedsporadically, when large blocks of time are available to travel to suchselect and limited areas available for the activity. Because of theselimitations and inconveniences, many times interest in the activitywanes.

Summary of Invention

[0004] The present invention presents the rare opportunity to create anentirely new sport and activity with mass appeal that does not sufferfrom the disadvantages, limitations, and problems mentioned above. Fromthe foregoing it may be appreciated that a need has arisen for a heelingapparatus and related methods to create the foundation for a new actionor extreme sport that can be pursued in many locations and conditionswithout the need for a large investment in equipment.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a heelingapparatus is provided that includes a footwear having an opening in asole, such as the heel portion of the sole, to receive a wheel assembly,and a wheel assembly positioned in the opening of the sole of thefootwear. The wheel assembly may include an axle, a wheel mounted on theaxle, and a mounting structure operable to support the axle. Inalternative embodiments, the wheel assembly includes only the wheelmounted on the axle without the need for the mounting structure. Inother embodiments, the mounting structure is integrated or included aspart of the opening in the sole of the footwear.

[0006] According to another aspect of the present invention a wheel/axleassembly for use in a wheel assembly of a heeling apparatus is providedthat includes a wheel, a first bearing, a second bearing, and an axle.The wheel has an axle opening, a first annular recess on a first side ofthe wheel that surrounds the axle opening on the first side, and asecond annular recess on a second side of the wheel that surrounds theaxle opening on the second side. The first bearing is positioned in thefirst annular recess on the first side of the wheel, and the secondbearing is positioned in the second annular recess on the second side ofthe wheel. The axle is positioned within the axle opening of the wheelsuch that the wheel is rotatably coupled to the axle through the firstbearing and the second bearing.

[0007] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, amethod for using a heeling apparatus on a surface is provided thatincludes running on a surface by using a forefoot portion of a sole ofthe heeling apparatus to contact the surface, and rolling on the surfacewith a wheel of the heeling apparatus extended below the bottom of thesole through an opening in the sole by using a wheel of the heelingapparatus to contact the surface.

[0008] According to a still further aspect of the present invention, amethod for making a heeling apparatus is provided that includesproviding a footwear that includes a sole, forming an opening in thesole of the footwear that extends to a bottom surface of the sole, andpositioning a wheel assembly in the opening of the sole of the footwear.

[0009] The present invention provides a profusion of technicaladvantages that include the capability of the heeling apparatus tofunction as normal, comfortable footwear for walking, and even running,and to function as rolling footwear, which may be referred to onlyherein as "heeling."

[0010] Another technical advantage of the present invention includes thecapability to implement the invention using virtually any availablefootwear such as, for example, conventional shoes, boots, dress shoes,loafers, sandals, slippers, bindings, and the like. Conventionalfootwear may be incorporated into a heeling apparatus by, preferably,forming or cutting an opening in the heel portion of the sole of suchconventional footwear. Thus, the present invention may be implementedusing conventional footwear that appears externally, during normal use,as conventional footwear. This allows the present invention to bepracticed as a "stealth" or "covert" activity because, from externalappearances, it is being performed using conventional footwear. In apreferred embodiment of the present invention, the sole of conventionalathletic shoes may be used in the present invention without the need todesign awkward looking thick soled shoes to house the wheel.

[0011] A further technical advantage of the present invention includesthe capability to implement the present invention with other activesport accessories such as in a grind show, such as the grind show madeby SOAP, which also provides grinding or sliding functionality.

[0012] Yet another technical advantage includes the capability to usethe present invention to enjoyably obtain an overall aerobic workout.

[0013] Still yet another technical advantage of the present inventionincludes the capability of enhanced control for turning and maneuvering,while still providing durability, reliability, and mechanical strength.The present invention provides this durability and reliability in harshenvironments and with heavy and demanding use, including the capabilityto withstand the forces of jumps, spins and maneuvers of all kinds.

[0014] Another technical advantage includes capability of removablewheels and axles so that bearings may be easily changed and maintainedand so that different types of wheels, bearings, and axles may be usedas desired by the user and as dictated by the conditions.

[0015] In yet a further technical advantage of the present inventionincludes a wheel/axle assembly that can be easily inserted or removedfrom a wheel assembly or mounting structure, such as by using a frictionfit. In other embodiments, the wheel assembly, or heeling apparatus,includes the capability of a retractable wheel. This allows a user toquickly and conveniently convert from using the heeling apparatus asnormal footwear into using the heeling apparatus for "heeling." Thewheel is moved from a retracted position in the sole or heel of theheeling apparatus to an extended position where at least a portion ofthe wheel is exposed below the sole for rolling. The retractable wheelmay be implemented using any number of designs and/or configurationssuch as a king pin arrangement, a dual position arrangement using acollapsible axle, a hinged arrangement, or even a spring arrangement.

[0016] Other technical advantages are readily apparent to one skilled inthe art from the following figures, description, and claims.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0017] For a more complete understanding of the present invention andthe advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following briefdescription, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings anddetailed description, wherein like reference numerals represent likeparts, in which:

[0018]FIGURE 1 is a side view that illustrates a heeling apparatusimplemented using an athletic shoe according to one embodiment of thepresent invention;

[0019] FIGUREs 2A and 2B are bottom views that illustrate twoembodiments of a sole of the heeling apparatus with openings in thesole;

[0020] FIGUREs 3A and 3B are bottom views of the two embodiments of thesole as shown in FIGUREs 2A and 2B and illustrate a wheel in each of theopenings of the soles;

[0021]FIGURE 4 is a perspective view that illustrates a wheel rotatablymounted to an axle, which also may be referred to as a wheel/axleassembly, for use in a wheel assembly according to one embodiment of thepresent invention;

[0022]FIGURE 5 is a perspective view that illustrates a mountingstructure for use with a wheel rotatably mounted to an axle, asillustrated in FIGURE 4, to form a wheel assembly;

[0023]FIGURE 6 is a bottom view that illustrates a wheel assembly thatincludes the wheel rotatably mounted on the axle as shown in FIGURE 4and the mounting structure of FIGURE 5;

[0024]FIGURE 7 is a side view that illustrates the wheel assemblypositioned above and through the opening in a footwear to form a heelingapparatus;

[0025] FIGUREs 8A, 8B, 8C, and 8D are profile views of various wheelsthat illustrate the surface profile of these wheels that may used invarious embodiments of the present invention;

[0026]FIGURE 9 is a perspective view that illustrates a mountingstructure of another embodiment for use in a wheel assembly of a heelingapparatus;

[0027]FIGURE 10 is a perspective view that illustrates a wheel assemblythat uses yet another embodiment for use in a heeling apparatus;

[0028]FIGURE 11 is a side, partial cutaway view that illustrates oneembodiment of a heeling apparatus that illustrates the wheel assemblyprovided in the sole of the heeling apparatus and the opening in thesole not extending completely through the sole;

[0029]FIGURE 12 is a side view of another embodiment that illustratesthe heeling apparatus of the present invention with a removable wheelcover positioned to cover the wheel and the opening in the sole;

[0030]FIGURE 13 is a bottom view that illustrates another embodiment ofthe present invention with a spherical ball serving as a wheel andpositioned in a mounting structure in an opening in the heel portion ofthe sole;

[0031]FIGURE 14 is a perspective view that illustrates a "heeler" usingthe present invention to "heel";

[0032]FIGURE 15 is a perspective view that illustrates a wheel rotatablymounted to an axle, which also may be referred to as a wheel/axleassembly, similar to FIGURE 4;

[0033]FIGURE 16 is a cutaway view that illustrates a collapsible axle ofthe wheel/axle assembly of FIGURE 15 implemented as a spring loadedcollapsible axle;

[0034]FIGURE 17 is a perspective view that illustrates another mountingstructure for use with the wheel/axle assembly and the collapsible axle,as illustrated in FIGURE 15 and FIGURE 16, to form a wheel assembly;

[0035]FIGURE 18 is a side, cutaway view that illustrates a wheelassembly positioned through an opening in a sole that illustrates oneembodiment of an axle that couples to the mounting structure to providea retractable wheel using an assembly that may be referred to as a kingpin arrangement;

[0036]FIGURE 19 is a bottom view that illustrates the wheel assembly ofFIGURE 18 that further illustrates the dual king pin arrangement;

[0037]FIGURE 20 is a side view that illustrates one member of themounting structure that further illustrates the coupling of the axle tothe mounting structure using the dual king pin arrangement; and

[0038]FIGURE 21 is a breakaway and perspective view that illustrates atwo piece wheel that includes an inner core and an outer tire and thatmay be used in the present invention.

Detailed Description

[0039] It should be understood at the outset that although an exemplaryimplementation of the present invention is illustrated below, thepresent invention may be implemented using any number of techniques,materials, designs, and configurations whether currently known or inexistence. The present invention should in no way be limited to theexemplary implementations, drawings, and techniques illustrated below,including the exemplary designs and implementations illustrated anddescribed herein.

[0040] It should be understood at the outset that although exemplaryimplementations of the present invention are illustrated below, thepresent invention may be implemented using any number of mechanisms,arrangements, structures, and/or techniques. Thus, the present inventionshould in no way be construed to be limited to the exemplaryimplementations, drawings, and techniques illustrated and describedherein.

[0041]FIGURE 1 is a side view of a heeling apparatus 10 implementedusing an athletic shoe 12 according to one embodiment of the presentinvention. The heeling apparatus 10 preferably includes a wheel assemblyprovided in an opening in the heel portion of the sole of a footwear.For example the athletic shoe 12 includes an opening in the bottom of aheel portion 18 of a sole 14 with a wheel assembly provided in the holesuch that a wheel 16 extends below the bottom of the sole 14. The wheelassembly preferably includes at least one wheel, such as the wheel 16,rotatably mounted on an axle (not illustrated in FIGURE 1). The wheel 16mounted on the axle is preferably positioned in the opening of the sole14 through a mounting structure (not illustrated in FIGURE 1) that isoperable to support the axle such that a portion of the wheel 16 extendsbelow the heel portion 18 of the sole 14.

[0042] The amount or length of the portion of the wheel 16 that extendsbelow the bottom of the sole 14, as defined by a distance 24, willpreferably be less than the diameter of the wheel 16. The distance 24,however, may be greater than, less than, or equal to the diameter of thewheel 16.

[0043] The athletic shoe 12, as is true of most footwear, may begenerally described as having the sole 14 and an upper part 26. Theupper part 26 may be constructed of virtually any material such as, forexample, leather, plastic, or canvas. The sole 14 may include threeparts: (1) an inner sole or insole (not illustrated in FIGURE 1); (2) amidsole 28; and (3) an outer sole or outsole 30. The insole may provideadded cushion and may or may not be removable. In some embodiments, theinsole may include a removable portion, such as a DR. SCHOLL'S insole,and a portion that remains attached to the athletic shoe 12. The outsole30 will preferably be made of a durable material, such as rubber, andmay have a textured surface, such as with knobbies, to provide addedtraction. The midsole 28 will generally be constructed of a soft or"cushiony" material and will generally be thicker than the insole andthe outsole 30. In some embodiments, however, the sole 14 will compriseonly one part, such as the leather sole of a loafer. In otherembodiments, the sole 14 may include a separate heel block or objectthat elevates the footwear, such as the heel of a leather wingtip dressshoe. This heel block or object may be considered to be part of the heelportion 18 of the sole 14. It should be understood that the presentinvention may be implemented in virtually any footwear, irrespective ofthe design or the make-up of the sole 14. Various styles of footwear andmethods of making footwear are known in the art and are known by one ofordinary skill in the art. For example, United States Patent Nos.:4,245,406, 5,319,869, 5,384,973, 5,396,675, 5,572,804, 5,595,004, and5,885,500, which are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes,provide various background information regarding various footwear andmethods of making footwear.

[0044] In most footwear, including the athletic shoe 12, the sole 14 mayalso be divided into three portions or regions: (1) the heel portion 18,(2) an arch portion 20, and (3) a forefoot portion 22, as illustrated inFIGURE 1. It should be understood that the heel portion 18, the archportion 20, and the forefoot portion 22 of the sole 14 are incapable ofbeing exactly defined and located, and that such portions vary from onefootwear type to another. Thus, the location, the boundaries between,and the size of the heel portion 18, the arch portion 20, and theforefoot portion 22 of the sole 14 are only rough approximations.

[0045] It should also be understood that although the position of theopening in the bottom of the sole 14, and hence also the wheel 16, ispreferably located in the heel portion 18 of the sole 14, such anopening may also be located at the boundary of the heel portion 18 andthe arch portion 20, at the arch portion 20, or at virtually any otherlocation on the sole 14. The opening in the bottom of the sole 14 mayextend entirely through the sole 14, e.g., through the outsole, themidsole and the insole, or only partially through the sole 14, e.g.,through the outsole, and a portion or all of the midsole.

[0046] The wheel 16 may be constructed or made of virtually any known oravailable material such as, for example, a urethane, a plastic, apolymer, a metal, an alloy, a wood, a rubber, a composite material, andthe like. This may include, for example, aluminum, titanium, steel, anda resin. Preferably, the material will be durable, provide quietperformance, and will provide a "soft" or "cushioning" feel. In oneembodiment, the wheel 16 may be implemented as one or more precisionbearings such that the precision bearing serves as the wheel 16 itself.In yet another embodiment, the wheel assembly may include a spring orsuspension such as, for example, a leaf spring, to provide additionalcushion or suspension when the wheel 16 contacts a surface and a forceis applied to the athletic shoe 12 in the direction of the surface, suchas when a someone is wearing and walking in the heeling apparatus 10.The spring is preferably provided as part of the mounting structure ofthe wheel assembly. In still another embodiment, the wheel 16 isprovided as a two piece wheel with an inner core, such as a hard innercore, such as a hard inner core, surrounded by an outer tire, such as aurethane tire.

[0047] Depending on the desired implementation, the wheel 16 and theaxle may be removable from the wheel assembly. In such a case, aremovable cover may be provided in the opening in the sole 14 to coverthe opening so that debris and dirt does not enter the opening. Theremovable cover may be provided in virtually any available configurationreadily ascertainable by one of ordinary skill in the art. In oneembodiment of the removable cover, an axle portion of the removablecover fits and/or couples to the mounting structure in the same orsimilar manner that the axle in which the wheel 16 is mounted fitsand/or couples to the mounting structure of the wheel assembly. A toolmay also be provided to facilitate the removal of the axle and wheel 16.This tool will, preferably, be small and multi-functional to provide anyother possible adjustments to the heeling apparatus 10, such as a screwdriver, a wrench, and the like. In other embodiments of the heelingapparatus 10, the wheel 16 may be retractable into the opening in thesole 14. In this manner, the wheel 16 may be retracted into the sole 14and, thus, will not extend below the bottom of the sole 14. This allowsthe heeling apparatus 10 to function just like ordinary footwear, suchas the athletic shoe 12.

[0048] In one embodiment of the present invention, the wheel assemblydoes not include an axle, and, arguably, not a mounting structure, andthe wheel 16 is provided as a sphere, such as a stainless steel ballbearing, that is rotatably positioned in the opening in the bottom ofthe heel portion 18 of the sole 14, one embodiment of which is shown inFIGURE 13. In another embodiment, the wheel assembly comprises an axlepositioned completely through or partially through the heel portion 18of the sole 14 such that the sole 14 supports the axle and the wheel isrotatably mounted on the axle in the opening of the sole 14. In thismanner, the need for the mounting structure is eliminated.

[0049] In operation, a person wearing the heeling apparatus 10 mayeither walk normally or roll on the wheel 16 by lifting or raising thesole 14 so that only or almost only the wheel 16 contacts a surface.This action may be referred to as "HEELING" or to "HEEL." The wheel 16,depending on the desired implementation of the present invention, may beremoved or retracted to a position such that the wheel 16 does notextend below the bottom of the sole 14. This, generally, will result inthe heeling apparatus 10 performing like an associated footwear. Whenthe wheel 16 is removed or retracted, a removable cover may be placedover the opening in the bottom of the sole 14 to prevent debris fromentering the opening and potentially damaging the wheel assembly. Instill other embodiments, a removable cover may be placed over the wheel16 while a portion of the wheel 16 remains extended below the bottom ofthe sole 14 to assist with walking, an example of this is illustrated inFIGURE 12.

[0050] It should be understood, however, that even if the wheel 16 isnot removed or retracted as just described, the user may stillcomfortably walk and run, even with the wheel 16 extended. Thisgenerally occurs because the distance 24 can be minimal, which providesa unique "stealth" or "covert" aspect to heeling. This also results inthe wheel rolling the opening or hole in the sole 14 of the heelingapparatus 10. In one embodiment, the distance 24 is less than the radiusof the wheel 16, which results in most of the wheel residing within theopening of the sole 14.

[0051] FIGUREs 2A and 2B are bottom views of two embodiments of the sole14 of the heeling apparatus 10. In particular, the outsole 30 or bottomof the sole 14 is illustrated in FIGURE 2A with an opening 40 in theheel portion 18 of the sole 14. In the embodiment illustrated, theopening 40 is provided in a square or rectangular configuration. Theopening 40, however, may be provided in virtually any configuration,such as, for example, a circular or an elliptical configuration.

[0052] As mentioned previously, the opening 40 may extend partially orcompletely through the sole 14. The opening 40 may be provided through aheel block or object. Further, the opening 40 be positioned in, near, orin a combination of the heel portion 18, the arch portion 20, and theforefoot portion 22.

[0053]FIGURE 2B illustrates a second embodiment as to the placement andconfiguration of the opening 40. The outsole 30 is illustrated with anopening 40A and an opening 40B in the heel portion 18 of the sole 14. Inthis manner, one or more wheels, including one or more axles, may bepositioned in both the opening 40A and 40B.

[0054] FIGUREs 3A and 3B are bottom views of the two embodiments of thesole 14 as shown in FIGUREs 2A and 2B and illustrate a wheel in each ofthe openings of the soles. This includes a wheel 42 positioned in theopening 40 in FIGURE 3A and a wheel 42A and a wheel 42B in the openings40A and 40B, respectively, of FIGURE 3B.

[0055] The wheel 42 and the wheels 42A and 42B are illustrated ascylindrical wheels. These wheels, however, may be provided in virtuallyany available configuration. Further, one or more wheels may bepositioned in each opening.

[0056]FIGURE 3A further illustrates other elements of the wheel assemblythat include a first member 48 and a second member 54 of a mountingstructure that is used to removably couple with an axle 50. The axle 50extends through the wheel 42 such that the wheel 42 is rotatably coupledor mounted to the axle 50. This preferably involves the use of precisionbearings, such as high performance precision bearings, provided in arecess, such as an annular recess, on either side of the wheel 42. Afirst precision bearing 56 and a second precision bearing 58 may be ABECgrade precision bearings and are illustrated with hidden lines andpositioned in the first recess and second recess of the wheel 42. Inalternative embodiment, loose ball bearings may be used.

[0057] The axle 50 may be made of any material that provides suitablephysical characteristics, such as strength and weight, to name a few.The axle 50 is preferably made of hardened steel, is cylindrical inshape, each end is rounded, and is removably coupled with a first member48 and a second member 54, respectively, of the mounting structure. Theremovable coupling between each end of the axle 50 and the first member48 and the second member 54 may be achieved by any known or availablemechanism. In a preferred embodiment, a sphere or a ball bearing,preferably using a moveable spring and/or a screw bias, is used tocontact and exert a side wall force between one or members of themounting structure and the axle 50.

[0058] It should also be noted that because the weight of the user ofthe heeling apparatus 10 will exert a significant downward force and theground or surface will exert an equal force upward, the axle 50, and,hence, the wheel 42 will generally be forced into place. Only when theheel is raised from a surface will any force or friction be required tokeep the axle 50 in place. Thus, the present invention does not requirea large side force to keep the axle 50 and the wheel 42 in place. Therecognition of this fact may be considered an aspect of the presentinvention for the embodiment as showm. This recognition allows theremovable coupling between each end of the axle 50 and the first member48 and the second member 54 to be optimally designed.

[0059]FIGURE 3A also illustrates a grind plate 44 (which also may bereferred to as a slide plate 44) that may be used in conjunction withthe heeling apparatus 10 of the present invention. The grind plate 44provides a smooth or relatively smooth surface to allow a user to"grind" or "slide" on various surfaces such as hand rails, curbs, steps,corners, and the like. The grind plate 44 is preferably somewhat thinand made of a plastic or polymer material. In a preferred embodiment,the grind plate 44 is removably attached to the arch portion 20 of theoutsole 30 of the sole 14. The grind plate 44 may be attached using anyknown or available fastener, such as, for example, a fastener 46 shownin various locations around the periphery of the grind plate 44.

[0060]FIGURE 3B further illustrates an axle 52 in which the wheel 42Aand the wheel 42B are coupled to either end in the opening 40A and theopening 40B, respectively. The axle 52 extends through both the wheels42A and 42B and through a portion of sole 14, not visible in FIGURE 3B.This serves to support the axle 52 and illustrates the situation wherethe sole 14 serves as the mounting structure of the wheel assembly. Thisreduces the overall number of parts. In an alternative embodiment, ametal or some other suitable material may be used within the heelportion 18 of the sole 14 where the axle 52 is positioned to provideadditional support and stability. This is an example where the mountingstructure is, in effect, integrated into the sole 14. As can beappreciated by one skilled in the art, the present invention may beimplemented in any number of ways.

[0061]FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of a wheel 60 rotatably mounted onan axle 62, which also may be referred to as a wheel/axle assembly, foruse in a wheel assembly, or in a heeling apparatus, according to oneembodiment of the present invention. The wheel 60 and the axle 62 mayalso be referred to as a wheel/axle assembly 400. In this embodiment,the axle 62 extends through the wheel 60 and includes two ends that arerounded or bullet shaped. A precision bearing 64 is shown positioned ina recess, which is shown as an annular recess, of the wheel 60 tofacilitate the rotation of the wheel 60 around the axle 62. Preferably asecond precision bearing is positioned in a second recess, not shown inFIGURE 4, to further facilitate such rotation.

[0062] A slip clip, slip ring, or ring clip 66 is shown positionedaround, or nearly around, the axle 62 near the precision bearing 64.This serves to ensure that the precision bearing 64 remains in place inthe recess of the wheel 60. The slip clip or ring clip 66 willpreferably be positioned on the axle 62 through a groove, such as aradial groove or radial indentation, in the axle 62. It should beunderstood, however, that one of ordinary skill in the art may use anyof a variety of other arrangements to ensure that the precision bearing64 stays in position. In alternative embodiments, the precision bearing64 may be eliminated or loose bearings may be used.

[0063] The wheel 60 rotatably mounted on the axle 62 may, in alternativeembodiments, serve as the wheel assembly of the present invention. Insuch a case, the axle 62 may be mounted to the sole, such as the midsoleand heel portion, at its ends while the wheel 60 is rotatably providedin the opening of the sole. In this manner, the need for a mountingstructure may be thought of as eliminated or, alternatively, themounting structure may be thought of as integrated into the sole of thefootwear.

[0064]FIGURE 5 is a perspective view of a mounting structure 70 for usewith a wheel rotatably mounted to an axle, such as is illustrated inFIGURE 4, to form a wheel assembly. The mounting structure 70 generallyincludes a heel control plate 72, a first member 74, and a second member76. In alternative embodiments, a spring, such as a leaf spring, couldbe provided where the two members contact the heel control plate 72.This would provide the added benefit of greater cushion and suspension.The two members include an opening, such as the opening 78 of the firstmember 74 to receive an end of an axle. It should be mentioned that theopening may be provided in virtually any configuration, includingextending through the member, or placed at different positions, or evenmultiple positions for mounting the wheel/axle assembly 400 at aretractable position and an extended position, on the member.

[0065] The axle that is to be positioned in the openings of the firstmember 74 and the second member 76 will preferably be removably coupled.This may be achieved by any number of arrangements and configurations,all of which fall within the scope of the present invention. One sucharrangement is the screw/spring/ball bearing arrangement 80 provided infirst member 74. This arrangement provides an adjustable bias or forcethat can be exerted against the axle when it is inserted into theopening 78. The screw is accessible and adjustable by the user. Theturning of the screw affects the compression of a spring which, in turn,provides a force on a ball bearing that extends out into the opening 78.When the axle is inserted into the opening 78, the ball bearing may bedisplaced an amount and the screw/spring/ball bearing arrangement 80will provide a side force to allow the axle to be secure, yet removable.A similar arrangement may also be provided in the second member 76 toprovide a friction fit or coupling on the other end of the axle 62.

[0066] Although the screw/spring/ball bearing arrangement 80 of FIGURE 5is shown being implemented through a horizontal opening in the firstmember 74, it may be implemented in using an opening aligned invirtually in manner in the member. For example, the adjustment of thetension or pressure on the screw/spring/ball arrangement 80 may beachieved through a diagonal opening such that the exposed end of thescrew/spring/ball arrangement 80, normally a screw head end, is providedwhere the reference line for numeral 74 in FIGURE 5 contacts the firstmember 74. This provides easier access to adjust the tension andfriction fit on the axle 62 when the wheel assembly, such as wheelassembly 100 of FIGURE 6, is engaged or positioned within the opening ofa sole to form a heeling apparatus. Of course, any of a variety of otherarrangements, configurations, and opening alignments may be contemplatedand implemented under the present invention.

[0067] The mounting structure 70 can be made or constructed of virtuallyany material, generally depending on the desired mechanicalcharacteristics such as, for example, rigidity and strength. Thesematerials may include, for example, a plastic, a polymer, a metal, analloy, a wood, a rubber, a composite material, and the like. This mayinclude aluminum, titanium, steel, and a resin. In one embodiment, themounting structure 70 is made of a metal, such as aluminum, that hasbeen anodized such that the mounting structure 70 presents a black coloror hue.

[0068]FIGURE 6 is a bottom view of a wheel assembly 100 that includesthe wheel 60 rotatably mounted to the axle 62, as shown in FIGURE 4, andthe mounting structure 70 of FIGURE 5. The first member 74 and thesecond member 76 each removably couple with the ends of the axle 62through a bias mechanism implemented using a bias mechanism, such as thescrew/spring/ball bearing arrangement 80. A ball bearing 102 is showncontacting one end of the axle 62 in the opening 78. Further slip clipsor ring clips (which may also be referred to as snap rings or sliprings), such as ring clip 66, are provided to ensure that the precisionbearings positioned in the recesses of the wheel remain in position.

[0069] The heel control plate 72 allows the user of the heelingapparatus to gain greater control and to obtain greater performance outof the heeling apparatus.

[0070]FIGURE 7 is a side view of the wheel assembly 100 positioned aboveand through the opening to form a heeling apparatus 120. The heelcontrol plate 72 resides inside the shoe so that the heel of the usermay apply pressure to the heel control plate as desired to providebetter handling and performance of the heeling apparatus 120.

[0071] FIGUREs 8A, 8B, 8C, and 8D are profile views of various wheels200 that illustrates the surface profile of these wheels that may usedin various embodiments of the present invention. In FIGURE 8A, a wheel202 is shown with a flat or square surface or exterior profile 204. InFIGURE 8B, a wheel 206 is shown with an inverted surface profile 208. InFIGURE 8c, a wheel 210 is shown with round surface profile 212. Finally,in FIGURE 8D, a wheel 214 is shown with a steep surface profile 216. Thepresent invention may incorporate virtually any available surfaceprofile of a wheel.

[0072]FIGURE 9 is a perspective view that illustrates a mountingstructure 500 of another embodiment for use in a wheel assembly of aheeling apparatus. The mounting structure 500 includes an axle 502,which may be considered one axle that extends through and is mountedthrough a member 50 or as an axle 502 that couples with the member 506along with an axle 504 that couples with the member 506 opposite axle502. The mounting structure 500 also includes a heel control plate 508coupled with the member 506.

[0073] The mounting structure 500 allows for two wheels to be mounted toform a wheel assembly. A wheel may be rotatably mounted on the axle 502,preferably using a precision bearing, and a wheel may be rotatablymounted on the axle 504, also preferably through a precision bearing asillustrated previously herein.

[0074] The axle 502 and the axle 504 include a threaded portion suchthat a nut, such as a lock nut 510 may be included to secure a wheel toeach axle. In other embodiments, the end of the axles may includeinternal threads, as opposed to external threads as shown, so that ascrew, such as the hex screw as shown in FIGURE 10. It should beunderstood that virtually any available coupling may be provided betweenthe axle and the member.

[0075]FIGURE 10 is a perspective view that illustrates a wheel assembly520 that uses yet another embodiment for use in a heeling apparatus andincludes a wheel 522 rotatably mounted to an axle 524 using a precisionbearing 526, and a first member 528 and a second member 530 coupled toeach end of the axle 524 through a screw, such as hex screw 532. Thewheel assembly 520 is similar to wheel assembly 100, which was describedabove in connection with FIGURE 6, except that the wheel/axle assemblycannot be as easily inserted and removed.

[0076]FIGURE 11 is a side, partial cutaway view that illustrates oneembodiment of a heeling apparatus 600 that illustrates a wheel assembly602 provided in a sole 604 and an opening 606 in the sole 602 that doesnot extend completely through the sole 602. As such, the mountingstructure 608 may be provided or integrated into the sole 602 and maynot be readily or easily removed. A wheel 610 is also shown extendingpartially below the bottom of the sole 602, which provides the advantageof stealth heeling.

[0077]FIGURE 12 is a side view of another embodiment that illustrates aheeling apparatus 620 of the present invention with a removable wheelcover 622 positioned to cover a wheel 624 and an opening 626 in a sole628. The removable wheel cover 622 allows for the wheel to be providedin an extended position, i.e., below the bottom surface of the sole 628,yet not engage a surface to roll. Although the heeling apparatus 620 ofthe present invention allows a user to walk and run, even with the wheelin an engaged position, the removable wheel cover 622 providesprotection from dirt and debris and provides greater stability.

[0078] In an alternative embodiment, a wheel stop, not expressly shownin FIGURE 12, may be provided, in lieu of or in conjunction with theremovable wheel cover 622, to stop the rotation of the wheel 624. In oneembodiment, the wheel stop is made of virtually any material, such as asponge or flexible material, that can be wedged between the wheel 624and the opening 626 to stop or prevent the rotation of the wheel 624 andto stay in place through friction.

[0079] In other embodiments of the wheel cover 622, a wheel cover isprovided when the wheel 624 has been removed from the heeling apparatus620. In a preferred embodiment, this wheel cover is generally flush withthe remainder of the bottom of the sole 608, and, hence, provides thefunction of a regular shoe when desired and protects the opening. Thiswheel cover may couple in any available manner, but preferably willcouple to the wheel assembly in the same or similar manner that thewheel/axle assembly couples to the mounting structure. The removablewheel cover could clip or attach to the wheel assembly in many differentways.

[0080]FIGURE 13 is a bottom view that illustrates another embodiment ofa heeling apparatus 700 with a spherical ball 702 serving as a wheel andpositioned in a mounting structure 704 in an opening in the heel portionof the sole 706.

[0081]FIGURE 14 is a perspective view that illustrates a "heeler" 800using the present invention to "heel." Heeling can be achieved usingvarious techniques and, generally, requires a skill set of balance,positioning, flexibility, and coordination.

[0082] An illustrative method for using a heeling apparatus on a surfacemay include running on a surface by using a forefoot portion of a soleof the heeling apparatus to contact the surface, and then rolling on thesurface with a wheel of the heeling apparatus extended below the bottomof the sole through an opening in the sole by using a wheel of theheeling apparatus to contact the surface. Before running on a surface,the method may include walking on the surface while wearing the heelingapparatus with a wheel of the heeling apparatus extended below thebottom of a sole portion of the heeling apparatus before running on thesurface. Heeling may also be performed on a hill or a surface thatincludes a decline.

[0083] The method of heeling may also include engaging the wheel of theheeling apparatus to extend below the bottom of the sole portion of theheeling apparatus before walking on the surface. The method may alsoinclude walking on the surface while wearing the heeling apparatusbefore engaging the wheel of the heeling apparatus and with the wheel ofthe heeling apparatus retracted. Other variations on the method mayinclude transitioning from rolling on the surface to either running,walking, or stopping on the surface by running on the surface throughusing the forefoot portion of the sole of the heeling apparatus tocontact the surface just after rolling on the surface.

[0084] The preferred position while heeling is illustrated by the heeler800 in FIGURE 14 where one heeling apparatus 802 is placed in front ofthe other heeling apparatus 804 while rolling on a surface. As can beseen from a back heel portion 806 of the heeling apparatus 804,sometimes the clearance between the back heel portion 806 and thesurface is small. As a result, in a preferred embodiment, the back heelportion 806 is made of a wear resistant material.

[0085] The method of heeling may also implement any number of techniquesfor slowing or stopping. For example, rolling may be slowed bycontacting the forefoot portion of the sole of the heeling apparatus tocontact the surface to create friction and to remove the wheel from thesurface. Another example includes slowing by contacting a heel portionof the sole of the heeling apparatus to contact the surface.

[0086]FIGURE 15 is a perspective view that illustrates a wheel 902rotatably mounted to a collapsible axle 904, which also may be referredto as a wheel/axle assembly 900, similar to FIGURE 4. The collapsibleaxle 904 may be implemented in any number of ways, such as an adjustableaxle that is spring loaded, similar to what is shown in FIGURE 16, or asa screw collapsible axle. This allows the wheel/axle assembly 900 to bemore easily removable and/or retractable to a position where the wheelwould not engage the ground if the wheel/axle assembly 900 whereimplemented in a heeling apparatus.

[0087]FIGURE 16 is a cutaway view that illustrates a collapsible axle904 of the wheel/axle assembly 900 of FIGURE 15 implemented as a springloaded collapsible axle. As can be seen, the collapsible axle 904 may beadjusted or shortened by inwardly compressing both ends of thecollapsible axle 904 to overcome the internal spring force.

[0088]FIGURE 17 is a perspective view that illustrates another mountingstructure 920 for use with the wheel/axle assembly 900 and thecollapsible axle 904, as illustrated in FIGURE 15 and FIGURE 16,respectively, to form a wheel assembly. The collapsible axle 904 maycouple to a first member 922 and a second member 924 at a first position926 at the first member 922 and the second member 924 so that the wheelis in a retracted position. The collapsible axle 904 may also couple tothe first member 922 and the second member 924 at a second position 928so that the wheel is in an extended position.

[0089]FIGURE 18 is a side, cutaway view that illustrates a wheelassembly 940 positioned through an opening in a sole 942 thatillustrates one embodiment of an axle 944 that couples to a mountingstructure 946 to provide a retractable wheel 948 using an assembly thatmay be referred to as a king pin arrangement or dual king pinarrangement. This allows the retractable wheel 948 to be adjusted up ordown, as desired, and from a retractable position to an extendedposition. A king pin 950 (which may be implemented as a threaded screwor bolt) is shown threadingly engaged in a threaded opening in a memberof the mounting structure 946. As the king pin 950 is screwed furtherinto the opening in the member, the axle 944 is further retracted. Aking pin 950 will also be provided at the other member to raise theother side of the axle 944. In other embodiments, such as the mountingstructure 500 in FIGURE 9, a single king pin could be provided throughthe single member to provide retractable wheels through the coupling ofthe members and the axle.

[0090] An example of a king pin type assembly is illustrated in U.S.Patent No. 4,295,655, which is incorporated herein by reference for allpurposes, issued to David L. Landay, et al., was filed on July 18, 1979,was issued October 20, 1981. This patent illustrates a king pin typeassembly that could be implemented in an embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0091]FIGURE 19 is a bottom view that illustrates the wheel assembly 940of FIGURE 18 and further illustrates the dual king pin arrangement andthe king pins 950 through the members of the mounting structure 946.

[0092]FIGURE 20 is a side view that illustrates one member of themounting structure 946 and further illustrates the coupling of the axle944 to the mounting structure 946 using the dual king pin arrangementsimilar to FIGURE 18. As discussed above, this allows the axle 944, andhence the attached wheel, to be transitioned to any of a desired levels,and from a retracted position to an extended position.

[0093] It should be understood that the axle may couple to a member of amounting structure using any available technique and in virtually anunlimited number of ways. For example, an axle may couple to the firstmember and the second member of a mounting structure to move from aretracted position to an extended position through a spring arrangement.Similarly, an axle may couple to the first member and the second memberof a mounting structure to move from a retracted position to an extendedposition through a hinged arrangement.

[0094] Many other examples are possible, for example U.S. Patent No.3,983,643, which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes,issued to Walter Schreyer, et al., was filed on May 23, 1975, was issuedOctober 5, 1976 illustrates a retractable mechanism that may implementedin one embodiment of the present invention. U.S. Patent No. 5,785,327,which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes, issued toRaymond J. Gallant, was filed on June 20, 1997, issued on July 28, 1998illustrates simultaneously retractable wheels.

[0095]FIGURE 21 is a breakaway and perspective view that illustrates atwo piece wheel 970 that includes an inner core 972, an outer tire 974,such as a urethane wheel, an axle 976 (which may not be shown to skill),and a bearing 978 that may be used in the present invention. In apreferred embodiment, the bearing 978 is small in comparison to the twopiece wheel 970, for example, the bearing 978 may have an outer diameterthat is less than half the outer diameter of the outer tire 974. Thiscan provide significant advantages, that include a softer ride, bettercontrol, and are longer lasting. This is because the outer tire 974 canbe larger and thicker. In other embodiments, the bearing 978 is largerand has an outer diameter that is more than half the outer diameter ofthe outer tire 974. In a preferred embodiment, the inner core portion ofthe two piece wheel is made of a harder material that provides rigidityfor enhanced bearing support, while the outer tire portion is made of asofter material, such as a soft urethane, for improved performance and aquieter ride. These types of wheels may be referred to as a "dualdurometer" type wheel.

[0096] Thus, it is apparent that there has been provided, in accordancewith the present invention, a heeling apparatus and method that definesa new activity and sport that satisfies one or more of the advantagesset forth above. Although the preferred embodiment has been described indetail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, andalterations can be made herein without departing from the scope of thepresent invention, even if all of the advantages identified above arenot present. For example, the various embodiments shown in the drawingsherein illustrate that the present invention may be implemented andembodied in a variety of different ways that still fall within the scopeof the present invention. Also, the techniques, designs, elements, andmethods described and illustrated in the preferred embodiment asdiscrete or separate may be combined or integrated with othertechniques, designs, elements, or methods without departing from thescope of the present invention. For example, the wheel assembly may beremovable or integrated into the sole of the footwear. Although thepresent invention has been primarily described with only one wheelpositioned in the opening of the heel, the present invention certainlycontemplates and covers multiple wheels positioned in the opening of theheel. Other examples of changes, substitutions, and alterations arereadily ascertainable by one skilled in the art and could be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims
 1. A wheel assembly for use in a heeling apparatus, the wheelassembly comprising: an axle; a wheel mounted on the axle; and amounting structure operable to support the axle so that a portion of thewheel resides in an opening formed in a sole of the heeling apparatus.2. The wheel assembly of Claim 1 , wherein the wheel is made of aurethane.
 3. The wheel assembly of Claim 1 , wherein the wheel is madeof a polymer.
 4. The wheel assembly of Claim 1 , wherein the wheel ismade of a plastic.
 5. The wheel assembly of Claim 1 , wherein the wheelis made of a precision bearing.
 6. The wheel assembly of Claim 1 ,wherein the wheel is made of a rubber.
 7. The wheel assembly of Claim 1, wherein the wheel is made of a metal.
 8. The wheel assembly of Claim 7, wherein the metal includes aluminum.
 9. The wheel assembly of Claim 7, wherein the metal includes titanium.
 10. The wheel assembly of Claim 7, wherein the metal is an alloy.
 11. The wheel assembly of Claim 1 ,wherein the portion of the wheel that resides in the opening formed inthe sole of the heeling apparatus is larger than a second portion of thewheel that resides out of the opening formed in the sole.
 12. The wheelassembly of Claim 1 , wherein the wheel is rotatably mounted on theaxle.
 13. The wheel assembly of Claim 1 , further comprising: a secondwheel rotatably mounted on the axle.
 14. The wheel assembly of Claim 1 ,further comprising: bearings positioned to reduce the rotationalfriction between the wheel and the axle.
 15. The wheel assembly of Claim1 , wherein the wheel has a first side with a first recess and a secondside with a second recess, and wherein the wheel assembly furthercomprises: a first precision bearing positioned in the first recessbetween the wheel and the axle; and a second precision bearingpositioned in the second recess between the wheel and the axle.
 16. Thewheel assembly of Claim 15 , wherein the first precision bearing arepositioned using a first ring clip on the axle, and the second precisionbearing are positioned using a second ring clip on the axle.
 17. Thewheel assembly of Claim 16 , wherein the axle has a first radialindentation to position the first ring clip on the axle, and secondradial indentation to position the second ring clip on the axle.
 18. Thewheel assembly of Claim 15 , wherein the first and second precisionbearing is a radial bearing.
 19. The wheel assembly of Claim 1 , whereinthe opening formed in the sole is provided at a heel portion of thesole.
 20. The wheel assembly of Claim 1 , wherein the mounting structureis anodized metal.
 21. The wheel assembly of Claim 20 , wherein theanodized metal presents a black appearance.
 22. The wheel assembly ofClaim 1 , wherein the mounting structure includes a heel control plate.23. The wheel assembly of Claim 1 , wherein the mounting structureincludes a first member and the axle is coupled to the mountingstructure using the first member.
 24. The wheel assembly of Claim 23 ,wherein the wheel is mounted at a first end of the axle and a secondwheel is mounted at a second end of the axle.
 25. The wheel assembly ofClaim 1 , wherein the mounting structure includes a first member and asecond member, and the axle is coupled to the mounting structure throughthe first member and the second member.
 26. The wheel assembly of Claim25 , wherein the wheel is mounted between the first member and thesecond member of the mounting structure.
 27. The wheel assembly of Claim25 , wherein the axle is removably coupled to the mounting structure.28. The wheel assembly of Claim 27 , wherein the axle is removablycoupled to the mounting structure using a bias mechanism at the firstmember.
 29. The wheel assembly of Claim 28 , wherein the bias mechanismis a spring bias mechanism.
 30. The wheel assembly of Claim 27 , whereinthe axle is removably coupled to the mounting structure using a biasmechanism at the first member and a second bias mechanism at the secondmember.
 31. The wheel assembly of Claim 1 , wherein the mountingstructure is made using injection molding.
 32. The wheel assembly ofClaim 1 , wherein the mounting structure is made of a nylon.
 33. Thewheel assembly of Claim 1 , wherein the mounting structure is made of aurethane.
 34. The wheel assembly of Claim 1 , wherein the mountingstructure is made of a polymer.
 35. The wheel assembly of Claim 1 ,wherein the mounting structure is made of a plastic.
 36. The wheelassembly of Claim 1 , wherein the mounting structure is made of arubber.
 37. The wheel assembly of Claim 1 , wherein the mountingstructure is made of a resin.
 38. The wheel assembly of Claim 1 ,wherein the mounting structure is made of a metal.
 39. The wheelassembly of Claim 1 , wherein the mounting structure is made of analuminum.
 40. The wheel assembly of Claim 1 , wherein the mountingstructure is made of a titanium.
 41. The wheel assembly of Claim 1 ,wherein the mounting structure is made of an alloy.
 42. The wheelassembly of Claim 1 , wherein the mounting structure is made of acomposite material.
 43. The wheel assembly of Claim 1 , wherein the axleis cylindrical.
 44. The wheel assembly of Claim 43 , wherein the ends ofthe axle are rounded.
 45. The wheel assembly of Claim 1 , furthercomprising: bearings positioned to facilitate the rotation of the wheelaround the axle.
 46. The wheel assembly of Claim 1 , wherein the wheelincludes a surface profile that is flat.
 47. The wheel assembly of Claim1 , wherein the wheel includes a surface profile that is round.
 48. Thewheel assembly of Claim 1 , wherein the wheel includes a surface profilethat is steep.
 49. The wheel assembly of Claim 1 , wherein the wheelincludes a surface profile that is inverted.
 50. The wheel assembly ofClaim 1 , wherein the wheel includes a surface profile that is square.51. The wheel assembly of Claim 1 , wherein the wheel includes aplurality of wheels mounted on the axle.
 52. The wheel assembly of Claim1 , wherein the mounting structure includes a first member and a secondmember where the axle couples to the mounting structure such that theaxle and the wheel may couple to the first member and the second memberin a retracted position and an extended position.
 53. The wheel assemblyof Claim 52 , wherein the portion of the wheel that resides in theopening formed in the sole of the heeling apparatus is larger when inthe retracted position as compared to the extended position.
 54. Thewheel assembly of Claim 52 , wherein the axle is a collapsible axle. 55.The wheel assembly of Claim 54 , wherein the collapsible axle may coupleto the first member and the second member at a first position at thefirst member and the second member so that the wheel is in the retractedposition, and wherein the collapsible axle may couple to the firstmember and the second member at a second position at the first memberand the second member so that the wheel is in the extended position. 56.The wheel assembly of Claim 52 , wherein the axle may couple to thefirst member and the second member to move from a retracted position toan extended position through a king pin arrangement.
 57. The wheelassembly of Claim 52 , wherein the axle may couple to the first memberand the second member to move from a retracted position to an extendedposition through a spring arrangement.
 58. The wheel assembly of Claim 1, wherein the mounting structure includes a first member and a secondmember where the axle couples to the mounting structure through afriction fit.
 59. The wheel assembly of Claim 1 , wherein the mountingstructure includes a first member and a second member where the axlecouples to the mounting structure through a threaded portion of theaxle.
 60. The wheel assembly of Claim 1 , wherein the wheel assembly isreferred to as a heeling assembly.
 61. A heeling apparatus comprising: afootwear having a sole with an opening formed in the sole; and a wheelassembly that includes a wheel mounted on an axle, and a mountingstructure operable to support the axle so that a portion of the wheelresides in the opening.
 62. The heeling apparatus of Claim 61 , whereinthe wheel is made of a urethane.
 63. The heeling apparatus of Claim 61 ,wherein the wheel is made of a plastic.
 64. The heeling apparatus ofClaim 61 , wherein the wheel is made of a rubber.
 65. The heelingapparatus of Claim 61 , wherein the wheel is rotatably mounted on theaxle.
 66. The wheel assembly of Claim 56 , further comprising: bearingspositioned to reduce the rotational friction between the wheel and theaxle.
 67. The heeling apparatus of Claim 61 , wherein the wheel includesmore than one wheel, each rotatably mounted on the axle.
 68. The heelingapparatus of Claim 61 , wherein the wheel has a first side with a firstrecess and a second side with a second recess, and wherein the wheelassembly further comprises: a first precision bearing positioned in thefirst recess between the wheel and the axle; and a second precisionbearing positioned in the second recess between the wheel and the axle.69. The heeling apparatus of Claim 68 , wherein the first precisionbearing is positioned using a first ring clip on the axle, and thesecond precision bearing is positioned using a second ring clip on theaxle.
 70. The heeling apparatus of Claim 69 , wherein the axle has afirst radial indentation to position the first ring clip on the axle,and a second radial indentation to position the second ring clip on theaxle.
 71. The heeling apparatus of Claim 61 , wherein the mountingstructure is operable to mount in the opening of the sole of thefootwear.
 72. The heeling apparatus of Claim 61 , wherein the mountingstructure is formed in the opening of the sole of the footwear.
 73. Theheeling apparatus of Claim 61 , wherein the mounting structure includesa heel control plate.
 74. The heeling apparatus of Claim 61 , whereinthe mounting structure includes a first member and the axle is coupledto the mounting structure using the first member.
 75. The heelingapparatus of Claim 61 , wherein the wheel is mounted at a first end ofthe axle and a second wheel is mounted at a second end of the axle. 76.The heeling apparatus of Claim 61 , wherein the mounting structureincludes a first member and a second member, and the axle is coupled tothe mounting structure through the first member and the second member.77. The heeling apparatus of Claim 76 , wherein the wheel is mountedbetween the first member and the second member of the mountingstructure.
 78. The heeling apparatus of Claim 76 , wherein the axle isremovably coupled to the mounting structure.
 79. The heeling apparatusof Claim 78 , wherein the axle is removably coupled to the mountingstructure using a bias mechanism at the first member.
 80. The heelingapparatus of Claim 79 , wherein the bias mechanism is a spring biasmechanism.
 81. The heeling apparatus of Claim 78 , wherein the axle isremovably coupled to the axle using a bias mechanism at the first memberand a second bias mechanism at the second member.
 82. The heelingapparatus of Claim 61 , wherein the mounting structure is made usinginjection molding.
 83. The heeling apparatus of Claim 61 , wherein themounting structure is made of a nylon.
 84. The heeling apparatus ofClaim 61 , wherein the mounting structure is made of a polymer.
 85. Theheeling apparatus of Claim 61 , wherein the mounting structure is madeof a metal.
 86. The heeling apparatus of Claim 61 , wherein the mountingstructure is made of a composite material.
 87. The heeling apparatus ofClaim 61 , further comprising: bearings positioned to facilitate therotation of the wheel around the axle.
 88. The heeling apparatus ofClaim 61 , wherein the opening extends from a bottom of the sole to atop of the sole.
 89. The heeling apparatus of Claim 61 , wherein theopening extends from a bottom of the sole towards a top of the sole butdoes not extend to the top of the sole.
 90. The heeling apparatus ofClaim 61 , wherein the opening is closed on all sides except for abottom of the sole.
 91. The heeling apparatus of Claim 61 , wherein theopening is closed on all sides except for a bottom of the sole and a topof the sole.
 92. The heeling apparatus of Claim 61 , wherein the soleincludes a heel portion, an arch portion and a forefoot portion, and theopening is formed in the heel portion.
 93. The heeling apparatus ofClaim 61 , wherein the sole includes a heel portion, an arch portion anda forefoot portion, and the opening is positioned in both the heelportion and the arch portion.
 94. The heeling apparatus of Claim 61 ,wherein the sole includes a heel portion, an arch portion and a forefootportion, and the opening is positioned in the arch portion.
 95. Theheeling apparatus of Claim 61 , wherein the sole includes a heelportion, an arch portion and a forefoot portion, and the opening ispositioned in both the arch portion and the forefoot portion.
 96. Theheeling apparatus of Claim 61 , wherein the sole includes a heelportion, an arch portion and a forefoot portion, and the opening ispositioned in the forefoot portion.
 97. The heeling apparatus of Claim61 , wherein the sole includes an outsole, a midsole, and an insole, andthe opening extends in the outsole.
 98. The heeling apparatus of Claim61 , wherein the sole includes an outsole, a midsole, and an insole, andthe opening extends through the outsole and into the midsole.
 99. Theheeling apparatus of Claim 61 , wherein the sole includes an outsole, amidsole, and an insole, and the opening extends through the outsole, themidsole, and into the insole.
 100. The heeling apparatus of Claim 61 ,wherein the sole includes an outsole, a midsole, and an insole, and theopening extends through the outsole, the midsole, and the insole. 101.The heeling apparatus of Claim 61 , further comprising: a grind plateattached to the sole.
 102. The heeling apparatus of Claim 101 , whereinthe sole includes a heel portion, an arch portion and a forefootportion, and the grind plate is attached to the arch portion.
 103. Theheeling apparatus of Claim 61 , wherein the footwear is a shoe.
 104. Theheeling apparatus of Claim 61 , wherein the footwear is a dress shoe.105. The heeling apparatus of Claim 61 , wherein the footwear is anathletic shoe.
 106. The heeling apparatus of Claim 61 , wherein thefootwear is a loafer.
 107. The heeling apparatus of Claim 61 , whereinthe footwear is a boot.
 108. The heeling apparatus of Claim 61 , whereinthe footwear is a sandal.
 109. The heeling apparatus of Claim 61 ,further comprising: a wheel cover operable to cover a portion of thewheel that extends below a bottom of the sole and the opening.
 110. Theheeling apparatus of Claim 61 , further comprising: a wheel stopoperable to prevent rotation of the wheel on the axle.
 111. The heelingapparatus of Claim 61 , wherein the wheel and the axle of the wheelassembly are removable from the wheel assembly.
 112. The heelingapparatus of Claim 111 , further comprising: a wheel cover operable tocover the opening when the wheel and axle are removed.
 113. The heelingapparatus of Claim 112 , wherein the wheel cover is operable to coupleto the wheel assembly when the wheel and axle are removed.
 114. Theheeling apparatus of Claim 61 , wherein the wheel has an axle opening, afirst annular recess on a first side of the wheel that surrounds theaxle opening on the first side, and a second annular recess on a secondside of the wheel that surrounds the axle opening on the second side,and further comprising: a first bearing positioned in the first annularrecess on the first side of the wheel; and a second bearing positionedin the second annular recess on the second side of the wheel, whereinthe axle is positioned within the axle opening of the wheel such thatthe wheel is rotatably coupled to the axle through the first bearing andthe second bearing.
 115. The heeling apparatus of Claim 61 , wherein themounting structure includes a first member and a second member where theaxle couples to the mounting structure such that the axle and the wheelmay couple to the first member and the second member in a retractedposition and an extended position.
 116. The heeling apparatus of Claim115 , wherein the portion of the wheel that resides in the openingformed in the sole of the heeling apparatus is larger when in theretracted position as compared to the extended position.
 117. Theheeling apparatus of Claim 115 , wherein the axle is a collapsible axle.118. The wheel assembly of Claim 117 , wherein the collapsible axle maycouple to the first member and the second member at a first position atthe first member and the second member so that the wheel is in theretracted position, and wherein the collapsible axle may couple to thefirst member and the second member at a second position at the firstmember and the second member so that the wheel is in the extendedposition.
 119. The heeling apparatus of Claim 115 , wherein the axle maycouple to the first member and the second member to move from aretracted position to an extended position through a king pinarrangement.
 120. The heeling apparatus of Claim 115 , wherein the axlemay couple to the first member and the second member to move from aretracted position to an extended position through a spring arrangement.121. The heeling apparatus of Claim 61 , wherein the mounting structureincludes a first member and a second member where the axle couples tothe mounting structure through a friction fit.
 122. The heelingapparatus of Claim 61 , wherein the mounting structure includes a firstmember and a second member where the axle couples to the mountingstructure through a threaded portion of the axle.
 123. The heelingapparatus of Claim 61 , wherein the sole includes a heel portion, anarch portion and a forefoot portion, and the opening is positioned inthe heel portion, and a back heel portion of the heel portion isprovided at a location behind the opening in the heel portion and ismade of a wear resistant material.
 124. A heeling apparatus comprising:a footwear having a sole with an opening formed in a heel portion of thesole; and a wheel rotatably mounted in the opening formed in the heelportion of the sole.
 125. The heeling apparatus of Claim 124 , whereinthe wheel is a spherical ball.
 126. A wheel/axle assembly for use in awheel assembly of a heeling apparatus comprising: a wheel having an axleopening, a first annular recess on a first side of the wheel thatsurrounds the axle opening on the first side, and a second annularrecess on a second side of the wheel that surrounds the axle opening onthe second side; a first bearing positioned in the first annular recesson the first side of the wheel; a second bearing positioned in thesecond annular recess on the second side of the wheel; and an axlepositioned within the axle opening of the wheel such that the wheel isrotatably coupled to the axle through the first bearing and the secondbearing.
 127. The wheel/axle assembly of Claim 126 , wherein the wheelincludes: an inner core portion that forms the axle opening, the firstannular recess, the second annular recess, and includes an outer curvedsurface; and a softer outer tire positioned on the outer curved surfaceof the inner core portion.
 128. The wheel/axle assembly of Claim 127 ,wherein the wheel is a dual durometer wheel.
 129. The wheel/axleassembly of Claim 127 , wherein the softer outer tire is urethane andthe inner core portion is a hard plastic.
 130. The wheel/axle assemblyof Claim 126 , wherein the axle includes a first radial indentation neara first end of the axle and a second radial indentation near a secondend of the axle, and further comprising: a first ring clip positioned inthe first radial indentation of the axle to prevent the first bearingfrom moving off the axle; and a second ring clip positioned in thesecond radial indentation of the axle to prevent the second bearing frommoving off the axle.
 131. The wheel/axle assembly of Claim 126 , whereinthe axle is a collapsible axle.
 132. The wheel/axle assembly of Claim131 , wherein the collapsible axle is a spring loaded axle.
 133. Thewheel/axle assembly of Claim 131 , wherein the collapsible axle is ascrew adjustable axle.
 134. The wheel/axle assembly of Claim 126 ,wherein the outer diameter of the first bearing and the outer diameterof the second bearing are less than half the outer diameter of thewheel.
 135. The wheel/axle assembly of Claim 126 , wherein the outerdiameter of the first bearing and the outer diameter of the secondbearing are more than half the outer diameter of the wheel.
 136. Thewheel/axle assembly of Claim 126 , wherein the first bearing and thesecond bearing are precision bearings.
 137. The wheel/axle assembly ofClaim 136 , wherein the precision bearings are ABEC grade precisionbearings.
 138. The wheel/axle assembly of Claim 126 , wherein the axlehas a rounded first end and a rounded second end.
 139. The wheel/axleassembly of Claim 126 , wherein the axle has a threaded first end and athreaded second end.
 140. A method for making a heeling apparatuscomprising: providing a footwear that includes a sole; forming anopening in the sole of the footwear that extends to a bottom surface ofthe sole; and positioning a wheel assembly in the opening of the sole ofthe footwear.
 141. The method of Claim 140 , wherein the sole includes aheel portion, and wherein the forming an opening in the sole includesforming an opening in the heel portion of the sole.
 142. The method ofClaim 141 , wherein the sole includes an arch portion, and wherein theforming an opening in the sole includes forming an opening that includespart of the arch portion and part of the heel portion of the sole. 143.The method of Claim 140 , wherein the sole includes an arch portion, andwherein the forming an opening in the sole includes forming an openingin the arch portion of the sole.
 144. The method of Claim 140 , whereinthe opening extends through the sole.
 145. A method for using a heelingapparatus on a surface, comprising: running on a surface by using aforefoot portion of a sole of the heeling apparatus to contact thesurface; and rolling on the surface with a wheel of the heelingapparatus extended below the bottom of the sole through an opening inthe sole by using a wheel of the heeling apparatus to contact thesurface.
 146. The method of Claim 145 , further comprising: walking onthe surface while wearing the heeling apparatus with a wheel of theheeling apparatus extended below the bottom of a sole portion of theheeling apparatus before running on the surface.
 147. The method ofClaim 146 , wherein the surface includes a decline.
 148. The method ofClaim 146 , further comprising: engaging the wheel of the heelingapparatus to extend below the bottom of the sole portion of the heelingapparatus before walking on the surface.
 149. The method of Claim 148 ,further comprising: walking on the surface while wearing the heelingapparatus before engaging the wheel of the heeling apparatus and withthe wheel of the heeling apparatus retracted.
 150. The method of Claim146 , wherein wearing the heeling apparatus includes wearing a heelingapparatus on each foot of a user.
 151. The method of Claim 150 , whereinrolling on the surface includes placing one heeling apparatus in frontof another heeling apparatus.
 152. The method of Claim 145 , furthercomprising: transitioning from rolling on the surface to either running,walking, or stopping on the surface by running on the surface throughusing the forefoot portion of the sole of the heeling apparatus tocontact the surface just after rolling on the surface.
 153. The methodof Claim 145 , further comprising: slowing rolling by contacting theforefoot portion of the sole of the heeling apparatus to contact thesurface.
 154. The method of Claim 145 , further comprising: slowingrolling by contacting a heel portion of the sole of the heelingapparatus to contact the surface.
 155. The method of Claim 145 , whereinrolling on the surface includes the wheel extended partially below thebottom of the sole such that a portion of the wheel rolls in the openingin the sole.
 156. The method of Claim 146 , wherein walking on thesurface includes walking with the wheel extended partially below thebottom of the sole such that the wheel is not readily visible whenwalking.
 157. The method of Claim 146 , further comprising: inserting aremovable wheel in the opening of the sole before walking on thesurface.
 158. A heeling apparatus comprising: a footwear having a solewith an opening formed in a heel portion of the sole; a wheel assemblythat includes a wheel mounted on an axle, and a mounting structureoperable to support the axle so that a portion of the wheel resides inthe opening, and wherein no other wheel is provided on the bottom of thesole.
 159. The heeling apparatus of Claim 158 , wherein the mountingstructure includes a first member and a second member where the axlecouples to the mounting structure such that the axle and the wheel maycouple to the first member and the second member in a retracted positionand an extended position through a hinged arrangement.